Edson has 15 plus years of experience in business, leadership and human resources.

Considered a highly skilled Human Resources and Talent executive, Edson is known for his ability to define and fulfill the acquisition, management and development of (diverse) talents across various business models and industries. Whether it’s blue-collar workers, researchers and scientists, high value professionals, executives or HIPO graduates. He has held responsibility for managing recruitment, talent and performance management across different regions and industries. In addition to roles held as a consultant for companies of all kinds, in the past, and speaks at least twice a year on human resources related topics at conferences and other public engagements.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Marketing and Commercial studies from HEAO Limburg – The Netherlands, Edson went on to complete dual masters degrees: the first a Master of Arts in International Economics from Radboud University Nijmegen – The Netherlands, and the second a Master of Business Administration in International Business and Marketing from Hofstra University – New York USA. He became a Chartered Member MCIPD of Human Resources with the Professional Qualification Grade “Master” through the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – London UK, and recently completed the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Leadership Program – California USA.

Currently Edson is finalizing his Co-active Coaching Certification Program at the Coaches Training Institute in San Francisco. Prior to this Edson was the Vice President of Human Resources responsible for Talent Acquisition at AstraZeneca Plc, a multinational, science-led biopharmaceutical company offering powerful and groundbreaking drugs for diseases and conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal illness, infections, neuroscience, respiratory illness and inflammation. Edson was recruited to join the AstraZeneca team to turn around its recruitment function and create a cost effective, in-house talent acquisition function as up-to-date and prolific as its research and development.

Prior to joining AstraZeneca Plc in 2015, Edson was the Executive Director of Human Resources in Talent and Performance Management for the Corporate Centre and EMEA at UBS. His other roles also include industry giants such as Philip Morris International SA, ING Group NV and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Today Edson resides in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Multilingual, he speaks fluent English, Dutch, Spanish, French and Papiamentoe. He credits his success to a lifelong determination and the ability to adapt to the many different cultures with which he has interacted.

Outside of his work Edson enjoys cross fit, yoga and meditation.

Worldwide Association of Notable Alumni Member Edson A. Hato, MBA, MA, MCIPD can be found on the Association Directory, where he is looking forward to networking with you.